Gita Jayanti 2026 – Commemoration of the Divine Message of the Bhagavad Gita

Full Date

19 December 2026 10:09 PM (Ekadashi tithi begins) – 20 December 2026 Evening (approx)

Muhurat Timings in India

• Gita Recital & Discourse Session

  On 20 December 2026 a special gathering for reading selected chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and a discourse on its teachings will be held at many temples and spiritual centers.

  20 December 2026 Morning 10:00 AM – 20 December 2026 Afternoon 1:00 PM

Introduction

Gita Jayanti is the annual Hindu observance of the day on which the Bhagavad Gita was revealed by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra. It falls on the Shukla Ekadashi of Margashirsha month and is a time for reading, reflection and devotion.

Other Names

Gītā Jayanti, Gita Mahotsav, Bhagavad Gita Day

Pooja Vidhi

• Clean the prayer area or temple space and place an image or idol of Lord Krishna in conversation with Arjuna.
• Light a ghee lamp and offer fresh flowers, incense and sweets in front of the deity or image.
• Recite the Bhagavad Gita or verses such as Chapter 2 (Chapter of Self-Knowledge) aloud with devotion.
• Sit quietly in meditation for a short while reflecting on one’s duty, righteousness and inner calm.
• End with group pranams (bows), distribution of prasadam and sharing of insights from the Gita reading.

Rituals

• Read or listen to the Bhagavad Gita in full or selected chapters.
• Visit temples of Lord Krishna or attend satsang in spiritual centers.
• Observe a sacred fast or maintain silence and meditation through the day.
• Offer lamps (diyas), flowers and incense in front of Krishna-Arjuna imagery.
• Participate in Gita discourse, group chanting and community service.

Regional Highlights

• The major celebrations occur in Kurukshetra (Haryana) where the annual International Gita Mahotsav is held next to the Brahma Sarovar. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Temples associated with Lord Krishna across India organize Gita recitation, group chanting and thematic seminars on the message of the Gita.
• In schools and colleges there is increased emphasis on youth discussion around the teachings of the Gita on duty, ethics and leadership.

History

According to tradition, during the great war of the Mahabharata, when Arjuna was in moral dilemma on the battlefield, Krishna revealed the 700-verse Bhagavad Gita, teaching him the doctrines of duty, self-mastery and devotion. The day has since been celebrated to honour that timeless teaching. Temples, spiritual centres and organisations hold readings, discourses and commemorative events.

Additional Information

• Gita Jayanti coincides with the Ekadashi tithi of the Margashirsha month, which is also known as Mokshada or Vaikuntha Ekadashi in many traditions. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• The word ‘Gita’ means ‘song’ but the Bhagavad Gita is much more than a song — it is a philosophical discourse that addresses war, duty, righteousness and self-realisation.
• On this day, many people launch study groups, reading marathons or online sessions of the Gita to deepen their understanding.